We Hold These Truths

Understanding the Ideas and Ideals of the Constitution

By: Mortimer J. Adler

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Mortimer Adler devoted a lifetime to studying the great ideas of Western culture and explaining even the most difficult concepts to the average citizen, earning Time magazine’s praise as a "philosopher for everyman". In We Hold These Truths, Dr. Adler caps his life’s work by illuminating the ideas and ideals that have made the United States of America a truly unique nation in the annals of history.

The ideas Adler examines include those at the core of the Declaration of Independence: human equality, inalienable human rights, civil rights, the pursuit of happiness, and both the consent and dissent of the governed. These are the ideas that form the basis for justice, domestic tranquility, the common defense, the general welfare, and the blessings of liberty - the ideals that are found in the preamble to the Constitution and which bind us together as a nation and a people.

Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001), American philosopher, educator, and popular author, was chairman of Encyclopaedia Britannica’s board of editors, the founder and director of the Institute for Philosophical Research, and an honorary trustee and founder of the Aspen Institute for Humanistic Studies.

©1987 Mortimer J. Alder (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most succinct, accessible publication about the Constitution." ( Wall Street Journal)

"Jeff Riggenbach...does his duty...[reading] in a clear, pleasant voice." ( AudioFile)

"This highly readable work will help all citizens with their own examination of Constitutional principles." ( Library Journal)

Demystifying

A very good reference book that helps demystify the key meaning in both the Constitution's language and it's application within worldly contexts. Likewise, WHTT Superbly explores some of our high court's most controversial decisions with an array of insight and poise.

Recommended to all with an interest in gaining critical insight into the Constitution and it's uses within judicial contexts.

Sterile Interpretation

I was very surprised to find such a sterile reading of the founding documents of our country.

Neither heart nor passion are to be found in Adler's exposition. The man who knows so well the great books shows little appreciation for nor historical context of these obvious thunderbolts of democracy.

Instead he offers logical and philosophical criticisms and corrections.

I cannot help but muse that the author was battling a bad case of digestive distress that doomed this dispepsic discourse.